Holli 



(\^ 



\ •* OR, 

I 
A HISTORICAL DRAMA. 

As performed at the j 

THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT-GARDEN 

.'Mhor of "All in the Dark," "Maid Marian," S^-c. 



II 



1 




THE MUSIC BY HENRY R. BISHOP. ESQ. 



.YEW'YORK: 

Published at the Circulating Library and Dramatic 
Repositorj*, No. 4 Chamber-street, '^J" 

D. Fanshawy Print. 1 Murray-st. 



1824. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS. 



_ a i i 



n^^ 



u 



SP^MARDS. 



• 


Mr, Cooper. 
' Isaacs. 


Tajjlor, 

hisprin Comer, 


cipal < 
officers, 


' Horrebow, 

Heath, 




Tinney, 

[ Pyne. 

Mas. Longhurst. 


>rces, 


Mr. Faivcett, 



Herdinando Cortez, 
Gonzalez de Sandoval, ^ 
Pedro de Alvarado, 
Velasquez de Leon, 
Diego de Ordaz, } 

Juan de Esculante, 
Christoval de ? )lid, 
Francisco de Lurgo, 
Antonio, page to Cortez, 
Sanchoj farrier to the Forces, 

Officers, Soldiers, &lc. 

MEXICAVS. 

Montezuma, Emperor of Mexico, Mr. Baker. 

Teutile, ) Ambassadors to Cortez J Ctaremont. 

Cuitalpitoc, J from the Emperor, ^ Evans. 

Teluxo, .... - — Bennett 

High Priest of the great Temple 

of Cholua, . . Atkins, 

Marina, sister of Teluxa, but in the 
service of the Spaniards, and 
attached to Cortez, . Miss Love. 

Priests of Cholula and Mexico, Servants of the 
Temple, Nobles, Warriors, &^c. 

TLASCALANS. 

Maxicazin, Cacique of Tlascala, an 
independent state at war 
with Mexico, , . Mr. Chapman. 

f~-'"i His so... ;=:5„ir'- 

Amazitli beloved by Acacix and 

Xocotzin, . . . Miss Patau. 
Warriors, Sec. ^^c 



J 



CORTEZ. 



ACT I. 



SCENE 1. — Spanish Encampment near St. Juan de Ulua^ 
on one side the tent of Cortes^ with his standard planted 
before ity bearing a &ross, with this inscription : " Let us 
follow the cross, for under this sign we shall conquer :" 
woods in the back ground^ through which is visible the sea. 

Enter V£lasq,uez de Leon, Diego de Ordaz, Pedro 
DE Alvarado, and the Spanish soldiery. 

Chorus. Spaniards. 

Haste, let us leave this fatal shore ! 
On board, on board, while yet we may 1 
Welcome the Ocean's wildest roar, 
So that we bound its billows o'er, 
Upon our homeward way ! 

Solo. Francisco entering. 

Clouds of foes around us press — 

Foes, to desperation driven ! 

Like their locusts, numberless, 

And dark'ning Earth as they do Heaven I 

Chorus. Spaniards. 
HastBj let us leave, k>c. 

Enter Sancho. 
tSan. Aye, aye, comrades, on board immediately, 
and away back to Cuba— Cortez promised us gold 
for the gathering— dainty gathering, truly ' marry, 
an' 1 am to purchase booty at the expense of my 
brains — 



4] CORTEZ; OR THE [Planche. 

Dieg, 'Twill cost thee next to nothing, friend 
Sancho ; but silence, and let us hear the noble Leon ! 

Velas. Countrymen, fellow soldiers, Cortez has 
deceived us. Must we be sacrificed to his ambition 
and imprudence ! What can such a handful of men 
eiFect against millions? Let us entreat him to re- 
turn to Cuba. 

San, Entreat him ? compel him, I say ! 

JllL Aye, aye ; compel him ! compel him ! 

Dieg, Nay, we will remonstrate first— if argu- 
ments avail not, we can take stronger measures. 

San. Stronger measures ! let's tell him to his face, 
that— 

Velas. Yonder he comes l 

San, The devil he does I gentlemen, comrades^ 
had we not better retire and — and— 

Bieg, Nay, man, 'twere a good opportunity to 
tell him to his face. 

San, By the Mass, so it were ; but I would not 
for forty pesos that he should see me here, and 
his horse ungroom'd yet — there are but sixteen, 
you know, in the w^hole army, I'll be back anon — 
poor beast ! he's been cool this half hour ! I'll be 
back anon, comrades. [^Sancho slinks out 

Diego aside to Velasquez, That dastard has in- 
fected all our friends, let us be sudden, Velasquez, 
ere they fall off from us. 

Velasquez aside to Diego. Nay, let us rather tarry 
till w^e can infuse new spirit into them, leave them 
to me. [aloud] Friends ! on this step depend our 
lives and fortunes ; let us take it firnly, but not rash- 
ly ; it is my advice we await the effect of Montezu- 
ma's embassy ; meanwhile, I'll urge our danger 
throughout the camp ; meet me at night-fall on the 
beach yonder, fear nothing, to-morrow we sail for 
Cuba ! Ordaz, come thou with me. 

[Exeunt Velasques and Diego — soldiers disperse among 
the tents. 
Enter Cortez and Gonzalez de Sandoval. 

Cor, They were Chempoallcins ; I have seen their 



J 



Act L] conquest OF MEXICO. 5 

Cazique, he solicits our friendship, and complains 
bitterly of this Montezuraa's tyranny. 

Sand. I have been anxiously awaiting your return ; 
the soldiery murmur, and there are evidently spirits 
at work to feed their discontent ; should they break 
out into open mutiny, what can you oppose to their 
numbers and deterrnination ? 

Cor. My cour.ige and my will ; Sandoval, I fear 
them not. Saint Peter is my patron, the holy cross 
our banner ; I will plant it in triumph, amid the 
ruins of idolatry; I will overturn yonder horrible 
altars, red with the blood of human victims, my 
cause is that of glory and the true faith ; I can die in 
it, but never tremble. 

Sand. Enough, there is another peril, of which I 
would warn you, Marina, your Indian slave, the 
gift of the Tabascans. 

Cor, What of her ? 

Sand, Her youth, her beauty. 

Cor, Have touched my heart, I cpnfess it—- call 
you that a peril ? Sandoval, I swear to you, I look 
upon the chance which gave Marina to me, as a 
visible interposition of providence in my favour ; her 
knowledge of the various languages, spoken in this 
new-found world, facilitates our intercourse w'ith its 
inhabitants, her intelligence foresees each danger, 
her attachment and courage assist us to meet and 
overcome it ; Marina is my interpreter, my guide, 
my guardian angel. Fear not, my friend, that aught 
can turn me from the path of duty. Glory is ever 
the goal of vay wishes. Love, the star that cheers 
and lights me on my way. Marina conies, leave 
us, Sandoval, and see every thing prepared accord- 
ing to \ny instructions for the reception of Monte- 
zuma's embassy. \^Exit SandovaL 

Enter Marina. 

Marl. O, my good lord, I've sought you through- 
out the camp. The Tlascalans have resolved on 
war ; they discredit vour professions, and conclude 



6 CORTEZ ; OR THE [Planche 

from your proposal of visiting Montezuma, in his 
capital, that you court the friendship of that mo- 
narch, whom they both hate and fear. Beware, 
dear master, they are a fierce and warlike people, 
and should you fall into their power— 

Cor, Fear not for me, sweet Marina ; but take 
heed for thine own sake. Should thy zeal in my 
service exasperate thy countrymen, and the chance 
of battle place thee in their hands, death, a horrible 
tormenting death, will be the recompense of thy 
devotion 1 

MarL And for whom would I die so cheerfully 
as for Cortez ! my lord ! my love ! 

Song. Marina. 

O, there's a mountain-palm that nigh 

My childhood's haunt doth grow. 

Whose boughs and leaves to the passing eye, 

As fans and lances show ! 

And like that well remember'd tree 

Would \ be, still to bear 

A shade — a shelter, love, for thee— 

And for thy foes — a spear ! 

Rt-enier Sandoval. 

Sand, The embassy approaches, their wild march 
mingles with the breeze ; and as the dusky multi- 
tudes swarm down the distant hill, their countless 
and many-coloured plumes, glancing in the bright 
rays of the morning sun, show like a flight of tro- 
pic birds. Teutile and Cuitalpitoc, the military 
and civil officers of this province, are the chiefs de- 
puted by the Emperor, to bear to us his presents 
and his will. They are accompanied by a renow^ned 
young warrior, named Teluxo. 

Mari, Teluxo ! shield me heaven ! my brother 1 

Cor, Thy brother ! a happy omen ; Marina's bro- 
ther must be the friend of Cortez. 

Mari, Believe it not ; you are ignorant of the 
particulars of my sad story ; a few words will suf- 
fice to show you what cause I have for fear. My 



^m^mmmiKmmimmm 



Act I.] CONQUEST OF MEXICO, 7 

father was a feudatory of the crown of Mexico, and 
Jord of several places ; on his decease my mother 
married another noble, by whom she had a son. 
The love they bore this fruit of their union, induced 
them to pretend my death, that the inheritance 
might descend to Teluxo. They sold me — my mo- 
ther sold me I to some travelling merchants, who 
again parted with me to the Tabascans, from whose 
Cazique I was transferred to you. Should it be 
known — 

Cor. Dismiss your fears, your secret is safe with 
us, and recognized by person you cannot be, after 
so long a separation. {Mexican march without piano*) 
Hark, they come ; dear Marina ! this agitation — 

Mari. Your pardon, I will to my tent, I am not 
needed here, and feel my very emotion would be- 
tray me. l^Exit Cortez into his tent. 

Round, Marina, Sandoval, Francisco, Alvarado, &€, 
Marina, 
Yes, 'tis the Indian drum, — 
The woods and rocks around 
Echo the wild and warlike sound, 
They come ! they come ! they come ! ] 

Sandoval. 
Hark ! 'tis the Indian drum ! kc. 
The woods, &lc. 

Francisco and Mvarado, entering. 
Hark ! tis the Indian drum ! &.c. 

[Exit Marina y ^c. 

[March forte, the curtains of Cortez' tent are undrawn^ 
^ and he appears seated on a chair of state, surrounded hy 
his officers, Velasquez de Leon, Diego de Ordaz, 
Pedro de Alvarado, Juan de Esculante, <^c. San- 
doval joins them. Enter Teutile, Cuitalpitoc, Te- 
luxo and Mexicans, male and female, the men bearing 
the presents of Montezuma, consisting of fine cotton 
clothes, plumes of various colours, ornaments of gold and 
silver, particularly a large circular plate of eacfi metal ^ 
representing the sun and moon also ; boxes containing 
precious stones, pearls, and grains of gold unwrought^ 
^^c. The v'oram with garlands and palm branches. 



CORTEZ ; OR THE [Planche, 

Teutile to Cortez. Stranger, whom the waves 
have wafted from some unknown region to these 
shores, the mighty and msgnificent Montezuma 
sends you, greeting, and hath commanded us to in- 
quire what are your intentions in visiting his do- 
minions, and to offer such assistance as you may 
stand in need of, to enable you to continue your 
voyage. 

Cor, Chieftain, my voyage is ended ; I come as 
ambassador from Don Carlos of Austuria, King of 
Castile, the greatest Monarch of the East, and am 
entrusted with propositions of such moment that I 
can impart them to none but the Emperor Monte- 
zuma himself. I have therefore to request you will 
conduct me, without loss of time, into the presence 
of your master. 

Tel, How ! presumptuous mortal ! know you 
what you ask ? accept, with grateful thanks, the 
proffered assistance of our illustrious sovereign, and 
begone ! 

Cut. \bandon, O stranger, the rash design ; pro- 
voke not the anger of a monarch whose power is 
exceeded only by that of the gods, and whose 
munificence may best be known from these presents, 
which we, his humble slaves, are instructed to de- 
posit at your feet, {to Mexicans,) Approach ! 

Mexican march resumed. The bearers of the presents ap; 

proachy and offer them to Cortez and his officers. The 

latter receive them eagerly ^ Cortez descends from his 

chair. 

Cor, I receive with thanks and reverence these 
tokens of Montezuma's friendship, and request his 
acceptance in return of these productions of our 
Eastern arts. 

Spanish march. M a sign from Cortes, the Spaniai'ds ad' 
varice and distribute among the Indians glass necklaces^ 
and trinkets of various descriptions, and present the 
Caziques with a helmet and breast-plate of steel, and a 
magnificent sword, for the emperor. 

Tel. taking the sword. This, then, is the stranger's 



Act I.] CONQUEST OF MEXICO, 9 

gift to Mexico ! an ominous offering ! Siiould he 
hereafter behold it flashing in the right hand of an 
incensed monarch, let him remember that he placed 
it there. 

Teu, Our hope is otherwise. Mexicans! wel- 
come, with your native dances, these unknown war- 
riors. 

Dance of Mexican women. 

During which the Spaniards express by action their admi- 
ration^ and at the conclusion mingle delightedly with the 
groupe. Cortez comes hastily forwards with Sandoval. 

Cor, aside to him, Sandoval, this must not be, we 
must break off such dangerous intimacy, (whispers 
him) away ! (exit Sandoval.) Mexicans '. it is now 
my turn to entertain ; come, you shall witness our 
Spanish mode of salutation (to his officers) Gentle- 
men ! to arms. [exeunt officers. 

The drums beat ayid the trumpets sound. The Spanish 
soldiers quit the Mexican women and form in line, thir- 
teen are armed with muskets^ the rest with cross-bows and 
swords and spears. 

Cor, March ! 

Spanish march. The troops go through a few evolutions, 
then halting at the command of Cortez, the cavalry enter 
at full gallop J form, and the whole present arms. The 
Mexicans are lost in astonishment and terror. 

Chorus. Mexicans. 

O, sight of wonder '• sight of fear ! 

What monsters to our eyes appear ? 

Half men, half beasts. The t^arth, with dread, 

Trembles, beneath their thundering tread ! 

The Spa7iish infantry discharge their muskets in the air, 
ivhich completes the alarm of the Mexicans, who fly in 
disorder from the scene, with the exception of the two 
Caziques and Teluxo. 

Tel, Dsemon or sorceror ! whose art can raise 
such monsters, and at whose will the lightning flash- 
es, and the thunder rolls : wonderful and terrible as 



10 CORTEZ ; OR THE [Planche. 

thou art, Teluxo fears thee not ! The guardian divi- 
nities of Mexico will avenge this mockery of their 
power ! Fly from their wrath, while yet thou may- 
est ; Fly, ere their invincible servants, Montezuma 
and his countless warriors, are compelled to propi- 
tiate them with thy blood, and that of thy presump- 
tuous followers . 

Cor. 1 have already declared my intention of con- 
ferring personally with your Emperor, and am not 
to be moved from my purpose by these wild mena- 
ces. Threats are for the most part the effect of fear. 
Go, tell Montezuma Cortez cannot, w^ithout disho- 
nour, return to his sovereign until admitted into the 
presence of that prince he is appointed to visit in 
his name. Away to Mexico : here will we await his 
answer 

March — Exeunt Teluxo and Caziques — movement of horse 
and infantry — Picture — Scene closes. 

SCENE II. Landscape near Tlascala — A hut built with 
turf and stone^ and thatched with reads. — Sunset. 

Enter X^azitli folloUJed by Acacix — the latter armed with 
hunting weapons^ and bearing a small netj in ivhich are 
birds f strings of eggSj <^c. 

Duet Acacix and Amazitli. 

*^cacix. 

Stay, Amazitii, stay for thee, 
I've scaled the cliff, that o'er the sea 
Hangs beetling, Hke a warrior's crest, 
And robb'd the fierce ring-eagle's nest. 
Behold, her polish'd eggs I bear, 
And many a bird of plumage rare, 
Which my good shafts have slain to-day. 
At Amazitli's feet to lay ! 

Amazitii. 

Oh, not for me — oh, not for me, 
Bring thou the spoils of rock and tree, 
Bear them to one who can return 
The love which in thy breast may burn. 



Act I.] CONQUEST OF MEXICO. ^ 11 

Sooner that beetling cliiF shall bow 
To the dark waves that round it flow, 
And its fierce tenant with the dove 
Repose ; than Amazitli love ! 

Both, 

Go hunter, go ; through the wood, by the fountain 
Watch for the wild bird and follow the hare ; 
But Ue^^ as the white stag that ranges the moun- 
tain — 
5^..., 5 shall my \ heart be from wound or from 
^"^' I will her \ snare ! 

Aca, Well, maiden, I have at least this conf3ola- 
tion, that though you reject my presents and, my 
love, it is not in favour of another. 

Ama, Oh, no ! of that assure yourself; I have no 
preference, you are all alikt;. I could as soon love a 
crocodile as any of you, for then I should know 
pretty well what I had to trust to ; for my part, I 
think a man very similar to a crocodile ; all whine 
and whimper till he gets one into his power, and 
then, mercy on us ! what a snappish wretch he is, to 
say the best of him. Yonder comes another of the 
species. 

Aca, My brother, Xocotzin ! 

Ama. Aye, a scarcely distinguishable variety. A 
shade less of the hypocrite, with a touch more of 
the monster. Farewell, Acacix — nay, detain me not. 
Heaven help me! a pretty situation I should be in 
between the two, indeed \ 

" Go, hunter go ; through the wood, by the foun- 
tain." 

[Exit into hut, singings 

Aea, Perplexing, yet fascinating creature ! Alas, 
that so exquisite a form should bear within it so in- 
sensible a heart ! 

Song. — AcACiX. 

Sweet as the breath of burning pine, 
Or copal gum on holy shrine, 



n CORTEZ;ORTHE [Planche. 

And graceful as the flow'r that sheds 
From out her cup her balmy threads, 
And on the gale of evening streams, 
In crimson pride, like sunset gleams ! 
But Ah ! 'tis hopeless— Ah ! 'tis weak 
Within this burning zone to seek 
Aught that I might an emblem hold 
Of maid so lovely and so cold ! 
Unless the flinty sword be one, 
Which waketh fire, but feeleth none! 
Enter Xocotzin. 

Xoc, How now, Acacix ! Wherefore do I find 
you so near the dwelling of my love ? 

Jlca. Because 'tis near the dwelling of my love, 
brother. 

Xoc. Your love ! Whom mean you ? Beware, 
Acacix ! 

Aca, Beware! Of what? 

Xoc. You mean not Amazitii ! say — say you do 
not, and we are brothers still. 

Jlca, I see not why my meaning her should 
make us otherwise, but if it must, the die is cast ; I 
do mean Amazitii — I adore her ! 

Xoc. Tis — ^tis fit that all men should — but — good 
Acacix I — I am calm still- -remember — 1 am your 
elder brother. 

*^ca. I dispute it not ; but what has eldership to 
do with love ? 

Xoc. Boy, from her birth my soul has been her 
slave. This heart received the first wounds that she 
dealt. I watched the early glories of her eyes, as 
men watch for the day break ! Boy ! I ask you, will 
you forego your suit ? 

^^ca. Never ! 

Xoc. Then thus I break all ties of blood betwixt 
us— Defend thy life. 

Aca. Aye, brother, and my love. 

They fight. Amazitli opens the door of her hut, shrieks^ 
and runs between them. 

Ama, Madmen ! what would you do ? 



Act L] conquest OF MEXICO. IS 

Xoc, Win you or perish. 

•^/na. Win me ! and triis is the waj' you think to 
do it ! Upon my word, younjc men ! do you take 
me for a basket of pines, or a plume of feathers, 
that I am to be won by sword-play, like a prize at 
a festival ? I don't intend to have either of you, but 
certainly not him who shall be stained with the 
blood of his brother. Fie, fie, for shame! 

Xoc. Let him renounce you then ; I loved you 
first. 

*^ca. And therefore scarcely love so well as I5 
whose passion is of fresher and stronger growth. 

Xoc. Still you forget my birth. 

Aca. No, that's impossible ; you will not let me. 

Xoc, Taunted ! Amazitli, w itness how I love thee ; 
I hear him, yet he lives ! 

^ma. No more, no more. If you would flesh 
your weapons, there are foes enough, and foreign 
ones, to turn them on ; foes worthy of the wrath of 
such brave warriors; these bearded white men, who 
come in floating palaces across the seas, and fight in 
storms of their own making; and if I am to be won 
by the sw^ord, 'tis the hero who shall stem the tide 
of battle ; the preserver of his country ! not the 
murderer of his brother, who shall wed with 
Amazitli ! 

•^ca. Say that it shall be so, I ask no fairer chance. 

Xoc, Nor I, by all our gods ! 

Ama, I've said too much already. Look, where 
your father and our chief warriors return from the 
sacrifice. 

Enter Maxicazin and Tlascalan warriors armed, and bear- 
ing their standard, a golden eagle, with wings ex- 
panded. 

Max, My brave boys, well encountered. No 
more hunting excursions : you must now chase no- 
bler game. A pow^erful and foreign enemy threatens 
us; our priests have declared these bearded strangers 
to be offsprings of the sun, and invincible during the 
day, while they are cherished by the influence of 



H CORTEZ ; OR THE [Pianche. 

his paternal beams. We must, therefore, attack 
them by night, when, deprived of his reviving heat, 
they droop like flowers of the field, and become 
vulnerable men. Their parent orb is even now 
about to set ; with the clouds of night will we rush 
upon their encampment. 

Solo and Chorus. Amazitli and Tlascalans. 

Tlascalans 1 your standard \6 raised for the fight, 
Your eagle is spreading his pinions so bright. 
Beneath their broad shadow^ remember how well 
Our forefathers fought, and how bravely they fell. 

Then sing w£ the war song, and dance the war 

dance, 
And point the true arrow, and poise the long lance. 
Our altars with blood of the stranger shall reek. 
And our banquet be borne from the zopilot's beak ! 

[exeunt omnes. 



SCENE III.— r/ie harbour of Villa Rica de la Vera 
Cruts. Spanish fleet at anchor. Moonlight. 

Enter Marina, hastily. 

Mar, The minions of the governor of Cuba have 
succeeded in exciting the troops to a revolt. The 
camp is in confusion. Should the Tlascalans select 
this moment for assaulting us, all is lost ! Ha, the 
mutineers approach ; let me hasten to find Cortez, 
and inform him of his danger. [exit Marina, 

Enter Spanish soldiery iumidtiwusly, led by Velasquez 
DE Leon, Diego de Okdaz, Sancho, Alvarado, 
Christoval, and Francisco. 

Vel. This way, this way! He shall hear our de- 
termination, and then — 

San. What's the use of his hearing what he's 
sure to disapprove ; I've been thinking of it all day, 
you'll only put him into a passion, and you know 
what a devil he is when provoked. Why not go 



Act I] CONQUEST OF MEXICO. 16 

quietly on board, and leave him to follow his own 
inclinations ? 

Die. Peace, coward ! 

San. That's. exactly what I say; peace, by all 
means; and the best way to keep the peace would 
be to adopt my plan. 1 perfectly agree with our 
old Spanish proverb, '* The best remedy against an 
ill man is much ground between both," 

Vel. He comes! he comes! Shout, friends ! To 
Cuba! to Cuba ! 

M. To Cuba! to Cuba! 

Enter Cortez, Sandoval, Juan de Esculante, and 
officers^ one bearing the standard of Cortez. 

Cor. How now, my countrymen ! What means 
this confusion ? What would you do ? 

Die, Return to Cuba. Your forces are unequal 
to the attempt you would make. Flight alone can 
save us from utter destruction. I speak in the name 
of the whole army. 

Cor, 'Tis false ! thou dost but utter the sugges- 
tions of thine own craven heart ! trf^itor and cow- 
ard ! Now, by my patron Saint, did I not shame to 
stain my honest sword with such foul blood, I'd cut 
thee to the chine, and feed the eagles with those 
trembling limbs — if birds, so brave, would deign to 
banquet on them ! 

Vel, Shall we bear this? He calls us cowards! 
Draw, friends, and undeceive him. 

Cer. By murdering your leader ! Hear him, 
soldiers — hark to these Spaniards but in garb— these 
summer flies, who buz around the lion's mane, se- 
cure in their own insignificance; nay, think, no 
doubt, with their weak hum, to drown his awful 
roar, and rule the forest in his stead ! Speak youj 
my friends, I do not heed these trumpeters ! Coun- 
trymen ! fellow-soldiers! brothers! again I ask yoUj 
what would you do ? 

Ml Return to Cuba ! return to Cuba ! 

Cor, Indeed ! Nay, then forbid it Heaven, that I 



16 CORTEZ ; OR THE [Planche. 

should lead such gallant men to die against their 
wills! Forgive me, countrymen, that I had judged 
you of another temper. But ere I give the signal 
for your embarkation, tell me, my good Castilians, 
what fit is this that shakes ye? JDo I behold the 
warriors who so lately crowded round the standard 
of Cortez, eager to propagate the true faith, and de- 
scend to posterity under the proud title of con- 
querors ? Have you scarcely found footing in this 
fairy region, where spring for ever reigns upon the 
earth, and summer wantons in the air ? Whose 
rivers, shaming Lydian Pactolus, have waves of 
silver rolling over sands of gold ? And do you start 
thus early at the mere dream of danger ? Be it so ! 
The eyes of the old world are upon you ; the new 
one is in your grasp ; abandon it ; break the wea- 
pons you have not courage to wield, and return to 
Cuba ; I permit you — nay, I command j^ou. Cortez 
will share his glory with none but the brave ! his 
wealth with none but the enterprizing. 

^11 but Diego and Velasquez, We'll follow Cor- 
tez ! we'll follow Cortez ! 

San. Aye, aye, we'll follow Cortez ! 

Cor, So you said before. 

All but Diego and Velasquez, We swear it ! we 
swear it ! 

Sancho, gaining courage by the enthusiasm of the 
troops. Yes ! we swear it. We'll swear any thing ! 

Cor, Have I lost my brave soldiers ? 

Francisco and Alvarado. They are at your feet ! 
{all kneel but Diego and Velasquez.) 

San, We are at your feet I 

Cor, Rise, Castihans, and hear him who was your 
General — aye, tvas. For I derived my right to 
command from the commission of the Governor of 
Cuba, who, jealous of your attachment to me, has 
since employed his satellites to stir you up to mu- 
tiny. I will not act upon a defective, or even du- 
bious title ; nor can I trust an army which may dis- 
pute my power at the very moment when it should 



msm 



Act I.] CONQUEST OF MEXICO. 17 

be implicitly acknowledged. To ray brother cap- 
tains, therefore, do I resign nny authr.rity, praying 
them, in the king's name, to appoint one of their 
number to direct your future operations ; and such 
is my zeal for the service in which we are engaged, 
that with the same hand which lays down my 
truncheon, will I take up a pike to convince my fel- 
low-soldiers that, though accustomed to command. 
I have not forgotten how to obey ! 

(kisses his truncheon^ and resigns it to Sandoval.) 
All hut Diego and Velasquez, We'll follow none 
but Cortez. 

San, A Cortez ! a Cortez '• 

Sand. You hear, Senor, the troops will follow 
none but Cortez : in the king's name, therefore, I 
return your truncheon, (returns it,) 

Vtlas, This must not be. I oppose his re-electione 
Die. And I. 

San. Eh 1 shall I have to turn again ? [aside and 
half frightened. ) 

Cor. Then, in the name of that monarch, whose 
person I represent, and of that army who demand 
me for their leader, I arrest you, Velasquez de Leon, 
and you, Diego de Ordaz, as the ringleaders of the 
late faction, (they offer to draiv.) Disarm them ! 
(they are seized and disarmed,) 

San, O I the traitors ! 

Velas, This shall be answered ! 

Cor. To my king and country. Take them 
away ! [exennt Diego and Velasquez^ guarded. 

San, Aye, away with them ! away with them ! 

Cor. (pointing to Sancho.) Put that fellow in 
irons till further orders. 

San, Who, me ? O Lord 1 what have I done ? 
(they seize him.) Gentlemen! comrades! Cortez for 
ever ! Cortez for ever ! 

Cor, Away with him! [soldiers exeunt with San^ 
cho struggling and bawling — '* CoHez for ever,^^ 

Sand. See where the Mexicans return with Mon- 
tezuma's decision. 



18 CORTEZ ; OR THE [Planchco 

E^iier Teluxo, Teutile, CuixALPrroE, and Mexicans. 

Cor, Now, Chieftains, how says your emperor ? 

TeL He repeats his offer of assistance, but for- 
bids your nearer approach to Mexico Content 
thee, stranger, with the treasures his munificence 
hath bestowed on thee. Abandon the vain hope of 
subjugating millions. Reascend your floating cas- 
tles, and depart in peace 

Co?\ Juan de Esculante ! (Juan advances^ Cor^ 
tez takes a paper from his bosom, and continues 
aside to him,) Away to the harbour and execute 
instantly the instructions contained in this paper. 
{gives it him. Exit Juan.) It is a bold but neces- 
sary resolution ! (aloud and turning to Mexicans) 
Teluxo, this is my reply ! — A sanguinary and igno- 
rant priesthood daily offends the true and only 
Deity, by the immolation of human victims. I 
have sworn to overturn j^our monstrous idols, and 
root up your accursed superstition. I will keep my 
oath. 

TeL And seal your own destruction ! 

Enter Marina, who runs to Cortez. 

Mar, To arms ! to arms ! The Tlascalans are 
advancing, and hope to surprise us. 

Tel, (aside,) A Mexican in the camp of Cortez ! 

Cor, 'Tis well. Ambassador of Montezuma, you 
shall witness the onset. You tell me of numbers — 
Cortez never counts his enemies till he has con- 
quered them ! ^ You point to yonder fleet as my 
only asylum ; a few moments will show you how 
Cortez values the chance of an escape, (lights seen 
on board each vessel,) Behold ! 

The Spanish Jleet takes fire, Cortez snatches his standard 
from the officer who bears it. 

Cor. Castilians, retreat is impossible ! The ene- 
my is before you ! (pointing to the standard,) Let 
us follow the CrosSj for under this sign we shall 
conquer ! 



AcTiL] CONQUEST OF MEXFCO. 19 

Chorus — Spaniards and Mexicans. 

Alvarado, Christoval, Francisco, Sandoval> and 
Spaniards, exultingly. 

Lead on, lead on, we follow thee. 
To glorious death or victory ! 

Mexicans, in alarm. 

Their vessels burn, they cannot flee ; 
Their cry is " death or victory !" 

During this chorus the ships burn and sink, and the crews 
are seen rowing in boats for the shore by the light of the 
conflagration, 

END OF ACT I. 



ACT II. 

SCENE I. — Romantic Pass near Tlascala-^sun-rise, 
Marm without. 

Enter Tlascalans, as if routed ; followed by Amazitll 

Solo and Chorus, Amazitli, &c. 

Chorus, 

Away • away ! Our foes advance. 
Vain the hatchet ! vain the lance. 
At their will the light'ning flies, 
And the thunder shakes the skies. 

Solo, Amazitli. 

Whither, whither would you fl3^ ? 
Uncover'd, on their bloody bed. 
The corses of your brothers lie. 
Hark, their angry spirits cry 
** Rally, and avenge the dead !'' 

Chorus, 

Away '. away ! kc. 

[exeunt Tlascalam ha^liljj. 



mm 



20 CORTEZ ; OR THE [Planche. 

Harm — enter Maxicazin. 

Max, All is lost ! The gods must aid our ene- 
mies, or the)^ are gods themselves. Fly, AraazitU 1 

Enter Sandoval, Alvarado, mid two Spaniards, 

Sand, (to Maxicazin,) Yield, or die ! 
Max, Come, death then, and not shame ! 

Sandoval and Spaniards attack Maxicazin. Alvarado 
seizes £masitli. 

Enter Acacix and Xocotzin. 

Aca, My father ! 

Xoc. Amazitli ! For love ! (attacks Alvarado,) 

Aca, For liberty ! [attacks Sandoval.) 

Xocotzin retreats before Mvaradoy protecting Amaziili. 
They fight off. Acacix beats back Sandoval and his 
party. 

Aca, (to Maxicazin,) Fly, sir ! The life you gave 
cannot be better lost than in defending your's. 

Enter more Spaniards — Acacix is taken prisoner — Maxi- 
cazin escapes. 

Enter Cortez and officers. 

Cor, Recall the troops from the pursuit ; I souo;ht 
a victory, not a massacre, (to Acacix.) Yo\nig war- 
rior, why those down cast looks ; I will not wrong * 
you by thinking you fear death. 

Aca, I fear'd it not when happj^— now^ I court it ! 

Cor, Is it then the dishonour of being prisoner 
to Cortez that afflicts you ? 

Aca, Son of the sun ! the thought of having saved 
a father's life would reconcile me to my fate, were it 
not for the bitter reflection, that while I languish in 
captivity, m}^ rival brother weds, perchance, the 
maiden of my heart. 

Cor, Never be it said that Cortez, himself a lover, 
was deaf to a lover's misery — Tlascalan, you are 
free — go, tell your chief I still prefer his friendship 
to his subjugation. 

Aca. Generous stranger ! the time may come to 



ActU.] conquest of MEXICO. 2i 

prove my gratitude by deeds. The gods protect 
thee ! [exit Acacix, 

Cor. Call in the horse, I say ! 

Trumpet sounds, and is answered in the distance. The ea^ 
valry enter from various directions. 

Re-enter Alvarado. 

Alva, The foe have rallied — they advance ! 

Cor. Spaniards, remember the plains of Tabasco! 
Form and march forward I 

Re-enter Maxicazin and Tlascalins. 

JUar. Be it then in peace I [kneeling) Son of the 
sun, and brothers of the stars, if you be divinities of 
a cruel nature we will sacrifice five slaves upon your 
dreadful altars. If you be gentle deities, we will 
make you offerings of copal gum and variegated 
plumes, and if mortals like ourselves, with fowls 
and bread and fruit will we present you, so that in 
return you afford us friendship and protection. 

Cor, Your prayers are granted ! Rise, friends of 
Spain, allies of Charles the Fifth 1 

Enter Teutile and Cuitalfitoe. 

Cor. Mexicans, you come in good time to witness 
our union with Tlascala. 

Teu, Invincible warrior, we are bearers of still 
more pleasing intelligence ; a courier has arrived 
from Mexico— Montezuma, in token of the admira- 
ration with which your deeds have inspired him, 
consents to your wishes and permits your advance 
to the capital. 

Cm. Recommending, at the same time, your 
progress through Cholula, in which city he has or- 
dered preparations to be made for your reception 
and entertainment. 

Cor. It shall be according to his pleasure. A flou- 
rish, trumpets ! To the welkin tell these glorious 
tidings — victory and peace ! 

A flourish— military evolutions— -picture — scene doses. 



wm 



52 CORTEZ ; OR THE [Planche. 



SCENE II. — Landscape and hut of Jimazitli, same as 
Act I. 

Enter Sancho, with a musket. 

San. O Sancho, Sancho ! what a fortunate thing 
it was for you that those copppr-nost^l cavaliers 
should take it into their heads to nnake a descent at 
so critical a moment. Cortez couldn't spare any- 
thing in the shape of a soldier, and so took the irons 
oif my legs to make me a man at arms. But, no, 
no lighting for me so long as I can manage to live 
without it ; quick march is the only military manceu- 
vre that I'm particularly well versed in, and that 
must be in the opposite direction to the field of bat- 
tle ; for such is my supreme contempt of danger, 
that I invariably turn my back on it. If I'd had the 
least idea I should have been expected to practise in 
a new profession, I'd never have quitted my old one 
at Cuba, of blacksmith and farrier to the colony. 
They told me such fine tales of houses of silver, 
and trees of gold, and all to be had for just putting 
one's hand out. but not one word of the raps on the 
knuckles it might get by the way. Houses of sil- 
ver, forsooth they must have been of quicksilver, 
and run away, I'm thinking. Here's a house now — 
a mansion no doubt they'd call it — I wonder if 
there's any body at home — (peeping in) faith I don't 
think there is. I'll have a peep at the furniture — I 
hope there are plenty of moveables — O, how I long 
for a little peaceable pilfering ! 

[exit cautiously into hut. 

Enter Amazitli and Xocotzin. 

Xoc, The gods has so decreed it Amazitli, and 
what could mortal courage do against their will? 
^Tis true, we came not home as conquerors ; but 
the deeds of the warrior are not less daring because 
fate has doomed them to be ineffectual. 

Ama, I do not depreciate your valour — I am 
grateful— deeply grateful for your protection, but I 



Act II.] C0iNQUE6T OF MEXICO. , 23 

merely request you to observe that I made no pro- 
mise, and could you even interpret my words as 
such, It was to the victor in fight — nay, to the pre- 
server of his country, that my hand was pledged, 
and much — much as I am indebted to your arms to- 
day — alas, for Tlascala ! I cannot declare you to be 
either. 

Song — Aruzitli. 

Alas, for Tlascala ! The bravest and best 

Of her warriors have sunk in their life blood to rest! 

Their bones lie unburied to bleach in the blast ; 

O, mourn for Tlascala ! Her glory is past' 

Alas, for Tlascala ! F'air victory's light 

Shall no more gild h.-r eagle's majestical flight ; 

This swoop was the battle-bird's boldest and last— 

O, mourn for Tlascala! Her glory is past! 

Xoc, Amazitli ! I saved you from the stranger at 
the hazard of my life, and— 

Ama. And 1 acknowledge the obligation — thanks, 
I am aware, are an empty recompense for such a 
deed, but I have some ornaments which — 

Xoc. Hold! add not insult to thy cruelty — the 
only recompense for saving Amazitli's life, is Ama- 
zitii's self — my brother's death, or more ignoble 
bondage, has freed me of his rivalship, and mine 
thou must and shalt b^ — [throws down his hatchet 
and approaches Amazitli^ who shrinks from him, Ac- 
ACix enters and runs between them,) 

Aca Thy brother lives and is at liberty, a witness 
against himself and thee i 

Ama. Acacixi safVi! 
, Xoc. Away, thou white man's slave ? thou — 

Aca. 'Tis true, I was made captive and that you 
iled ; nor can we ask her love for vanquished men 1 

Xoc. I ask it ; nay, I claim it as ray right — you 
coldly from her aid withdrew, / left a father to de- 
fend her ! 

Aca, If claim there be, mine is the strongest ; she 
promised her love to the preserver of his country. 



sr-r- ir'^'-jinr'^^-^T^^- ^ 



24 CORTEZ ; OR THE [Planche. 

In saving the Cazique, I did preserve it ; and at the 
same time fulfill'd a still more sacred duty ! 

Xoc, Seek yimr reward from duty then ; and not 
from love — I saved her, and have won her ! (rushes 
past Acacix and seizes AmazitlL) 

Ama. [breaking from him) Rude chief, you pre- 
sume too much upon a service which any warrior of 
our nation had been proud to render a defenceless 
woman, and thereby forfeit all title to the gratitude 
I had been bound to owe you ! I would enter my 
habitation ; 1 pray you let me pass ? 

Xoc, Never till you have yielded to my suit. 

Aca, Thou less than woman, that darest thus in- 
sult one ; give way, as thou lovest life. 

Xoc, Threatened ! Slave ! 

They grapple — Acacix succeeds in removing him from be- 
fore the door of the hut, which he throws open, and San- 
cho is discovered i ivho drops , terrified, iqion his knees ; all 
start. 

Ama, A white man ! 

San. And a blacksmith ! don't hurt me, I never 
hurt any body myself — 

Aca, What make you here ? 

San, Nothing— not a hobnail — merely looked in— 
in the way of business — to see if any body wanted 
shoeing — pshaw ! no — not shoeing — docking I mean 
— no — that is — O dear ! I'm all in a cold perspira- 
tion. 

Xoc, Vengeance for our slaughtered countrymen I 
(Snatches up his hatchet and aims a blow at Sancho ; 
Acacix catches his arm,) 

Aca, Hold ! His leader gave me liberty ; I will 
repay the deed by the protection of his follower ! 

Xoc, Mad fool ! Dost thou think to cross my path 
of vengeance as well as that of love? The hungry 
ocelot had been a safer foe ; Hke his, my spring is 
death ! [Rushes on Acacix, 

Sancho, Help! Murder! [Takes up his muskefy 
and is going to present it xvhen — 



Act XL] CONQUEST OF MEXICO. 25 

Enter Maxicazin. Sancho runs out. 

Ama. Save him — Save him ! 

Max, My sons, my sons ! What means this most 
unnatural fury ? What cause has thus armed brother 
against brother? 

Xoc, Love for Amazitli — Vengeance on our foes. 

Max, The Spaniards are no longer so. The Tlas- 
calans are now the faithful allies of those powerful 
strangers. 

Ama, And for my love, I give it to him who has 
deserved best of his country. Let our warriors 
judge for me. 

Max, My heart speaks for Acacix, who, at the 
peril of his own young life, preserved that of his 
father, and your Cazique, 

Xoc, Enough! Acacix! Tremble! (Rushes out) 

Max, Rash boy ! Xocotzin ! He has vanished* 
Well, let him go ; his ungovernable temper has long 
been a source of sorrow to me. Let him go and 
carry amongst the barbarous hunter tribes of the 
mountains those fierce passions which are the bane 
of his peace, and that of all around him. Acacix, to 
your command I entrust the warriors selected to ac- 
company our new allies to Cholulajand from thence 
to Mexico, whither they are on the point of marching, 
by desire of Montezuma ; who has, at length, con- 
sented to admit them to his presence. On your re- 
turn, your nuptials with Amazitli shall be celebrated. 
Follow me. [exeunt Maxicazin and Tlascalans. 

Aca, Dear Amazitli, say you approve my father's 
choice. 

Ama, O, pray don't ask me any questions just 
now ; I declare I have been so hurried, and frighten- 
ed, and teazed, that its ten to one but I shall make 
some foolish answer or another. There, go along, 
your father is waiting for you ; go, go, and forget 
me before you get half way to Cholula. 

ArM, Forget thee, Amazitli ! Never, never^ 



^ iii7fi-^"-^^Tr' 'iii'i "~- ' II ' ' r>B 



•20 CORTEZ ; OK THE [Pianche. 

Song. — Ac AC IX. 
There blooms a sweet flow'r, 
My lov*^, in thy bowV, 
Whose petals expanded display 
A star to the sight ; 
But when folded by night, 
Like a heart it hangs drooping till day. 
That flow'r when you see, 
My love, think on me, 
My Truth, let its day star pourtray, 
And its night form impart 
The despair of my heart, 
When the light of thy smile is away ! 

[exeunt separately. 

Scene III. Distant view of Ckolula. 

Spanish march heard faintly — Teluxo discovered in an at- 
titude of observation, 

Tel, Go on, Tyrants! Go on ; your punishment 
is preparing : indulge the vain hope that you 'and 
your worthless allies may insult with impunity Mexi- 
co's two thousand deities, and their Vicegerent, Mon- 
tezuma. Too late will ye awake from yoiir dreams 
of security. Too late will ye strive to fly from the 
terrible vengeance that awaits ye. Whom have 
we here? As I live, the lovely Mexican 1 saw in the 
Spanish camp, and who wakened a curiosity which 
may now^ be satisfied. [retires. 

Enter Marina. 

Mar, Yonder he rides ! My hero and my love ! 
With what graceful dignity he leads his gallant band 
— himself the bravest of the brave, towards the gates 
of Cholula, that fearful city — the sanctuary and chief 
seat of the Mexican divinities ; and in w^hose great 
temple more hapless victims bleed, than even in that 
of the lake seated capital. He knows not of my ab- 
sence ; he would have called my purpose rash, and 
have prevented its execution. I doubt this sudden 
change of Montezuma's sentiments, and his selec- 



Act IL] CONQUEST OF MEXICO. 27 

tion of Cholula for our resting place adds to my sus- 
picions. The people are as notorious for their bad 
faith as for their bigotry. I hinted my fears to 
Cortez, but in vain ; he smiled, and bade his trum- 
pets sound to horse; but I will mingle with the 
crowd unnoticed, and not a sign or whisper shall es- 
cape me that may bode ill to my beloved Hernando. 

Song. Marina. 

Through the wood w^hose tangled boughs 

Shut the very sun-light out, 
Dreading at each step to rouse 

Sleeping snake or ocelot, 
Steals the cautious traveller, 

Starting at each leaf that falls; 
So with strained eye and ear 

Seek I yonder fearful walls. 
For the tygers lurking there 

Make a fiercer surer spring, 
And the coiled serpents bear 

Deadlier venom in their sting I 
But the forest wand'rers skill, 

Mine, is far — oh, far above ! 
He but guards himself from ill, 

/would rescue him I love! 

(As she is going Teluxo advances.) |g 

TeU Stay, lovely one. 

Mar, Teluxo ! 

TeL You know me then. 

Mar. I— I saw you in the camp of Cortez. 

Tel. And w hat had a Mexican to do in the camp 
of her enemies ? 

Mar. They are not my enemies, nor are they Mex- 
ico's. 

Tel. Not Mexico's, who would overturn her altars 
and insult her gods ? 

Mar. They are sprinkled with the blood of the 
unfortunate ! 

Tel, Woman, blaspheme not ; they are merciful 
to thee, though thou hast leagued with their foes, 



__r 



2S CORTEZ ; OR THE [Planche. 

they have madeTeluxo an instrument to snatch thee 
from impending destruction, and restore thee to the 
faith of thine ancestors. Follow me. 

Mar. Thee— Whither ? 

Tel, To a place of safety ; trust to Teluxo ; thou 
hast 'waken'd an interest here, which I know not 
how to account for ; but one too strong to suffer thee 
to share the fate of these vile strangers. 

Mar, Merciful heaven! Their fate — what fate? 
My forebodings then were true. For pity's sake 
tell — Oh, tell me what danger threatens Cortez ? 

Tel, The vengeance of the gods ! The wrath of 
Montezuma ! This night shall witness the annihila- 
tion of these presumptuous invaders. The snare is 
set — the knives are wetted for the sacrifice. The 
hated Spaniards — their detested allies ! all, all but 
thou, shalt perish. 

Mar, (Kneding,) Say not so, Teluxo, hear me \ 
Save but Cortez, and- 

Tel, Up and follow me ! 

Mar, (Wildly.) I cannot, I will not. I must seek 
and warn Hernando of his danger — I 

Tel Foolish girl ! Think'st thou I would trust thee^-K. 
with my secret, and leave it in thy power to betray C , 
me ? (makes a sign, and three or four Mexicans ^ 
spring from behind some bushes) Look to that female 
— Let her not escape ! 

Mar. Inhuman ! If you thirst for blood, take minCj 
but spare Hernando's. 

Tel. No, lady, thou must live to be Teluxo's 
bride ! 

Mar, O, horror ! thy bride ! Banish the thought, 
Teluxo, banish it. You know not what you say — I 
— I am — your sister ! (falls) 

Tel My sister ! And I have murdered her ! (throws 
himself beside her.) Look up, much injured girl ! Let 
me not have to answer for thy death as well as thy 
banishment! Look up, sweet sister ! 

Mar. (reviving,) Teluxo ! wilt thou kill me ? 

Tel Sooner would I kill myself! You doubt, you 



Act II.] CONQUEST OF MEXICO. 29 

fear me ! Alas ! you have had too much cause to do 
so! But with this embrace let all your suspicions 
vanish ! Ever since our conscience-stricken mother 
confided to me the secret of your existence, and the 
unnatural act to which mistaken fondness hurried 
her, my search after the wandering merchants, to 
whom you were sold, and from whom alone I could 
hope to gain intelligence of your fate, has been un- 
wearied, as hitherto it has been vain ! But why do 
we tarry here ? Let me hasten to place thee in an 
asylum so secure from the dangers of the approach- 
ing storm that even the echo of its thunder shall 
scarcely reach thee ! 

Mar. What storm? What dangers? Ha! agaiPv I 
wake to horror — to despair ! You spoke of Cortez, 
and of vengeance 1 

Tel. As should a Mexican ! But you, my sister! 
You spoke of Cortez and of love ' O, let not the sua 
of joy so lately risen, set in the blackest night that 
e'er could shroud its beams ! A proud invader 
threatens with destruction our altars, our country, 
and our king Never be it said Teluxo's sister loved 
her nation's scourge ! 

Mar. I never shall— She loves her nation's saviour ! 
Cortez comes to give light and liberty to a blind and 
enslaved people ! To teach the worship of the true 
God, and trample upon that of demons (Mexicans 
make signs to each other.) 

Tel. ^(Aside to Mar.) Unfortunate ! Think to 
whose ears you breathe these dreadful proofs of 
your apostacy — (Aloud to Mexicans) She knows not 
what she says-— Her mind is shaken by conflicting 
passions—Sister, follow me ! 

Mar. Not till you swear to abandon your treache- 
rous designs against Cortez and his brave compa- 
nions ! O, Teluxo ! if the affection thou hast profess- 
ed for thy sister be indeed unfeigned, commit not 
an act which will destroy her happiness in this world, 
and thine in that which is to come ! 

Td: I must not hear this ; for thine own sake I 



30 CORTEZjOHTHE [Planche. 

must not — nay, resistance is in vain — Despite thyself 
f will preserve thee ! 
Mar, Cortez ! CortezI 

( Teluxo forces her out. follmved by the Mexicans^ who se- 
cretly threaten Marina.) 

SCENE IV. — Chamber in a Cholulan Palace, 

JS i/er Cortez, Sandoyal, Alvarado, Francisco, Teu- 
TiLE, and Cuitalpitoe. 

Teu, Welcome mighty stranger — welcome to 
Chohila. 

Cor, I am sensible of your attentions, but would 
lain be informed why these g;ates which open so 
widely to receive the Spaniards, are closed against 
i-'b warriors of Tlascala, their friends and allies. 

Cwi. The Tlascalans have ever been the foes of 
Mexico, and it is the order of \Iontezuma that none 
of that republic shall enter Cholula. 
• Sand, to Cor. They are aware of the prohibition, 
and have signified their intention of remaining with- 
out the walls. 

Cor. Be it so, then. 

Ten. Night advances — repose great chief after the 
labours of the day, and be assured that we have no- 
thing so much at heart as the desire of proving the 
respect and affection we bear to such noble and in- 
vincible guests. [Exeunt Ttutile and Cuitalpitoe. 

Sand, I like not the tone of these ambassadors, 
nor the bearing of the people and their priests. 

Con 1 fear their looks as little as their deeds ; but 
'. am at a loss to account for Marina's absence — she 
cannot surely have been rash enough to stray from 
aer escort, yet, I saw her not as we entered the city. 

E der AcAcix, hastily^ envtlcped in a Spanish mantle^ and 
wearing a Spanish helmet with the visor closed. 

diva. Who goes there ! 

Aca, throwing off his disguise, A friend ! Said I 
wot, Cortez, the time might come when I could 
prove my gratitude by deeds? It has arrived ! The 



Act II.] CONQUEST OF MEXICO. Si 

life and liberty you lately gave I now hazard for 
your preservation. 

Cor, Speak! What mean you? 

./^ca. The Cholulans intend your destruction- 
arms have been distributed among the people- 
stones carried to the tops of houses — trenches cut 
across the streets in which are fixed sharp stakes for 
the impalement of the wondrous animals you go- 
vern. 

Saiid, How know you this. 

Jlca. The women and children left the city by the 
opposite gates to that which you entered—a sure sign 
some hostile deed was meditating — it aroused my 
suspicions — from one of your soldiers I procured 
this cloak and hehnet, and thus attired, strolled care- 
lessly through the city, where I saw much and heard 
more from its inhabitants, who, deceived by my 
dress, considered me ignorant of their signs and laii- 
guaiie. 

Cor. The traitors ! 

Saiid. What's to be done ? 

J3lv. Lot us instantly to arms, cut our way to the 
gates, and retreat to Tlascala ! 

Cor. Retreat ! Can Alvarado couple the words 
Tlascala and retreat together, or does he imagine 
that the weapon which so lately spread death and 
terror through the army of an hundred thousand 
warriors, in her open fields, will loose their edge and 
temper within the walls of Cholula. 

Mv, Our soldiers then were fresh, and their nerves 
newly strung with the hope of plunder. Battle and 
march in rapid succession, have wasted and worn 
their spirits and their frames, and they would now 
fear to lose, by a rash action, the gold they have so 
lately purchased at the peril of their lives. 

Cor. Alvarado ! If gold was the prize for which 
my soldiers fought, glory was the object of their 
leader. I also fear to lose that freedom which I 
have purchased at the peril of my life, and with my 
life will I defend it. Let them follow my example 1 
Say on, Tlascalan, what farther proofs ? 



32 CORTEZ; OR THE [Plaiiclie, 

Aca, What confirras their purpose is—that there 
are preparations making in the great temple for a 
solemn sacrifice, such as is usually made on the eve 
of undertaking some military action. And I have 
reason to fear from what I heard — that the victim 
^vas a female, whom - 

C©?*. A female ! gracious heaven ! why do you 
pause ? whom — whom 

Aca, Whom f noticed at Tlascala in conference 
with yourself. 

Cor. Marina! distraction! her absence ! the hor- 
rible truth flashes on my brain ! Her zeal for our 
safety has placed her in their power ! Monsters ! 
But there may yet be time — Away. Tlascalan, to 
your warriors, under cover of the approaching light, 
lead them close beneath the walls, and on the dis- 
charge of a musket, scale and make towards the 
great temple ! Sandoval ! Alvarado ! follow me, and 
aid in the encouragement and disposition of our 
troops ! The traitors themselves shall be the victims ! 
I call heaven and earth to witness, that it is their 
perfidy which arms our hands for vengeance, unnat- 
ural to our hearts. \EiXtuni, 

SCENE V. Summit of the Great Temple of Cholula, 

The stage represents the upper area of the celebrated artifi- 
cial mountain or pyramid of Cholula. It is surrounded by 
a balustrade open on o. p. side for exit and entrance by 
the spiral staircase^ which is supposed to wind round the 
pyramid from the court in which it stands. At the fur- 
ther extremity of the area is the sanctuary — a building 
crowned with a cupido or pinnacle, having in front a re^ 
cess closed with a drapery. On each side is a small altar 
ivith sacred fire burning — and in the centre of the stage 
a large green slone of a peculiar shape on which the vic- 
tims ivere sacrificed. In the distance beyond the balus- 
trade on each side of the sanctuary are seen the pinnacles 
of numberless other temples and buildings silvered by the, 
?noon, and backed by a dark blue sky studded with stars. 



ji JI.j CONQUEST OF MEXICO. 33 



TeluxO;, the High Priest of Cholula and two attendants 
discovered. 

High Priest, She has been the accomplice— the 
slave of these invaders. 

Tel. Priest— she is my sister. 

High Priest, The gods have delivered her into 
our hands. 

TeL No, not the gods — but her unnatural brother ! 
I was her foe, ere I could lisp her name ! For my 
sake was she sold to slavery ! If she hath sinned in 
herding with these strangers, theirs is the fault who 
caused her banishment — Oh, she is innocent ! most 
innocent ! It was her detestation of crime which 
wrung from her the secret of her birth ! And it was 
told with tears and trembling, for she feared »i€— 
her brother! 

High Priest, The voice of the people demands 
her sacrifice. 

Td, Priest ! it is not so — call you the cowardly 
suggestions of the few% who heard her extorted con- 
fession and were base enough to betray her— the 
voice of the people ? 

High Priest, The god of air — the great protector 
or Cholula, must have a victim — blood alone can 
propitiate him. 

Tel, He shall have blood enough ! My chosen 
warriors, who lie in ambush near the city, but wait 
the general signal to surround our foes. Defer my 
sister's death but till the Emperor's pleasure shall be 
known, and I swear to you by this holy temple, I 
will so order the attack that not a Spaniard shall fall 
in fight, but wait in captivity the knife of the sacri- 
fice r I 

High Priest, Away, then, to your band ! It shall 
be so. 

Tel, You promise ? (Priest bows, Teluxo kneels 
andkisses the hem of his garment^then rising, exclaims, 
vnih exultation,) Sister, I have saved thee ! 

[exit Teluxo hastily doivn the stmr-cn^, 
4 



34 CORTEZ; OR THE [Planche. 

High Priest (after having watched Ms descent.) 
Fool, to think a jealous and offended deity will thus 
be baulk'd of his victim ! she has abjured the religion 
of her fathers, she has assisted the invasion of her 
country ; heaven and earth cry aloud for her sacri- 
fice! she dies, and instantly ! (To attendants,) As- 
semble the servants of the temple! bring forth the 
prisoner ! {exeunt attendants,) The consummation of 
the sacrifice shall be the signal for the destruction of 
our foes ! 

Finale, 

Cherus of Priests, Virgins, and Children of the temple^ 
ascending and entering in 'procession. 

God of air t 
We call on thee ! 
To our pray'r 
Propitious be ! 
Round thy shrine for aid we throng 1 
Warm blood we'll pour o'er it, 
Burn Copal before it, 
And praise thee with dance and with song! 

During the chorus they enter and groupe themselves about 
the stage, some scattering flowers, and some sounding sea 
shells, and playing on flutes, horns, 4-c. — at the conclu- 
sion of the chorus, four attendant priests bearing wooden 
instruments in the shape of serpents, undraw the drapery 
that closes the arch of the sanctuary, and discover Marina 
bound at the feet of a gigantic idol of Quetsalcoatl, they 
unbind and bring her forward to the centre of the stage, 

; Solo, Marina. 

Mighty spirit, whose pure eyes, 
Turn from human sacrifice, 
And to whose eternal throne, 
Pray'r 's the sweetest incense known. 
God of mercy ! God of peace ! 
liet thv servant's sorrows cease ! 



1 



Arx !I.] CONQUEST OF MEXICO. a5 

Jl trumpet is keard^ and a gun fired without. 

Solo. High Prif.st. 
Hark ! what means that warlike sound ? 

Marina. 
Doth not fancy mock mine ear ? 

(Shouts icithout.) 
Chorus of Priests. 
Distant shouts are rising round 1 

Marina. 
No ! 'tis true, and friends are near ! 

(Tumult and clashing of arms wiihoui.) 
Priests. 

No more delay ! The victim seize, 
Let her blood the gods appease ! 

They seize Marina, and drag her towards the stone of sacri- 
fice — Mexicans and Cholulans rush in, folloivcd by Cor- 
TEz, Sandoval, Alvarado, Acacis, Spaniards^ and 
Tlascalans. 

Francisco, Sandoval, he. and Spatiiard.^. 

Vengeance ! Vengeance i 

Mexicans, Priests, Lc. 

Fly ! oh, fly ! 

Marina rushes into the arms of Cortez — Spaniards break 
down and overturn the sanctuary and idol, and discover 
the city of Cholula in the distance. 

Spaniards and Tlascalans. 

Victory ! Victory ! Victory ! 



KIVD OF ACT IJ. 



3i CORTEZ } OR THE [Planche 



ACT IIL 

SCENE I.— FoZc«mc moxintains in the neighbourhood of 
Cholula and bird's-eye view of the valley, lake, and city 
of Mexico. The stage represents a platform of rocks, to 
which a winding and precipitous path descends fro7n o. p. 
and from vjhich two roads are supposed to lead, in nearly 
parallel directions, to the valley beneath. The mouths of 
these roads are indicated at the first and upper entrancesy 
0. p. Rising behind the precipices, p. s. is seen the 
mountain Popocatepec, the summit covered with snowj and 
from time to time emitting smoke and sparks, and stretch- 
ing away into the horizon, the valley and lake of Mexico 
are observed with the city, causeways, floating gardens^ S^^c. 

Teluxo descends from the rocks. 

Tel. Of the two roads which lead to Mexico, the 
royal one have I caused to be blocked up with trunks 
of trees and fragments of rock ; and w^hile the en- 
trance to the other has been smoothed and widened, 
its natural precipices have been rendered more dan- 
gerous by art ; and the Spaniards, who w^ill be cer- 
tain to choose that path which appears least ob- 
structed, will find themselves charged on a sudden 
in a situation w'here their horse cannot act, or their 
foot stand firm. Their punishment of the perjured 
priests of Cholula had nearly disarmed my ven- 
geance ; but my sister is again in their power — that 
sister w^hom I fondly hoped (as an atonement for 
the ills I had innocently occasioned her) to restore 
to the worship and the wealth of her ancestors. I 
cannot endure that she should follow these haughty 
strangers, and receive from their hands, as the price 
of her apostacy, the property which is her right as 
the sister of Teluxo ; and which Teluxo alone 
should in honour return to her ! Montezuma, too, 
hates as much as he fears these Spaniards, and will 
richly reward him by whom they are defeated or 
destroyed. Yes, nature, ambition, patriotism, all 
conspire to urge me to this dee(]. (Spanish march 



Acrlli.J CONQUEST -OF MEXICO. i57 

without) Hark, their trumpets ! They come ! Proud 
invaders, enjoy your first and only view of Mexico, 

{exit Teluxo by open road. 

{March louder.) The Spanish forces, horse and foot, slow- 
ly descend the path, and form on the stage. They are 
followed by a party of Tlascalans, with Teutile and 
CuiTALPiToc ; lastly, Cortez and Marina. 

Cor, Behold, my countrymen, your glorious goal, 
the city of the Lake ! Imperial Mexico is before 
you ! Say, chieftains [to Teutile and Cuitalpitoc) 
in return for our reception at Cholula, shall we 
abandon our pacific intentions, and enter Mexico as 
enemies ? 

Ten, Great Cortez, you would :i0t thus injure a 
sovereign who has, through us, so solemnly declared 
his utter ignorance and detestation of that perfidious 
plot. Ascribe the treachery, sir, as it is most just 
you should, to the zealous fury of the priests of 
Cholula, and banish your suspicions of a noble 
prince who hastens with joy and splendour to throw 
open to you the gates of his capital. 

Cor, The sacred character of ambassadors has 
shielded you from the wrath which the doubts of 
your truth had rendered fatal ; but, beware that 
those doubts are not again excited. 

Mar. Why is the entrance of the royal road to 
Mexico obstructed by those newly-felled trees and 
fragments of stone ? 

Ciii. I know not, lady ; but presume that it has 
been lately found dangerous, and a safer one opened 
and levelled for your march. 

(pointing to first entrance.) 

Cor. They who so ordered it but little knew my 
character, or that of the brave men who follow me. 
The road of danger is likewise the road of glory, 
and my Castilians will choose that path for the very 
reason whichr suggested these barricadoes. (to Tlas- 
caians.) Remove the principal obstructions, and let 
us forward. 



38 CORTEZ; OR THE [Planche 

j2s the Tlascalans execute his orders, Acacix descends the 
mountain precipitately. 

Aca, (kneeling.) Mighty Cortez, at your feet I 
sue for aid ; scarcely had I, with your permission, 
began to retrace my steps towards TIascala, when I 
received intelligence that a band of mountaineers, 
led by my vengeful brother, had last night surprised 
and carried off my bride — my beloved Amazitli ! 
They fled this way. At day- break they were seen 
to cross these mountains, and have, doubtless, 
sought shelter in the forests at their feet. 

Cor, Sandoval, lead a party of foot in pursuit of 
these ravish ers ; Alvarado, to your care I consign my 
Marina, At the head of my gallant horse will I 
o'erleap these obstructions! 

(March — Sandoval and a party of Spaniards and Tlasca- 
lans exeunt with Acacix, by the open road. Cortez spurs 
his horse over the remaining obstructions, followed by 
Marina, Alvarado, the Caziques and the rest of his 

forces.) 



SCENE II. — Forest of pines and oaks. .: 

Enter Xocotzin, forcing in Amazitli. 

Ama. Wretch ! 

Xoc, Aye, wretch indeed ! But who hath made 
me one ? Wherefore this indignation at an act to 
which I have been drawn by your cruelty ? Knew 
you so little of Xocotzin as to imagine he w^ould 
sit tamely down under the injuries heaped upon 
him ? No, if you cannot love, you shall at least, 
fear me ! I brought not sin so far to stay it here. 

Araa, Crown it with murder then ! Since thou 
so Invest me, do something that may win my grati- 
tude. Kill me, and I will bless thee ^ 

Xoc. Kill thee, maiden ! I shielded not thy bo- 
som from the stranger's sword to pierce it with 
mine o^yn: nor. had mv vengeance levelled at thy 



ActIILJ conquest of MEXICO. 3\^ 

life, needed I hither to have borne thee. No, Ama • 
zitii, no! a dearer triumph — 
Jlma, Monster ! 

Song. — Amazitli. 

Shame to manhood ! fear'st thou not 

The vengeance of the gods to dare ; 
Though unmoved by my sad lot, 

In pity to thyself forbear.^ 
Hark, their high displeasure telling, 
The thunder's awful voice is swelling! 

Spirits, hear my prayer, 
\ Let your mercy beaming now, 

Save me from dishonours stain, 
Or your wrath direct the blow 

Which at once may end my pain 1 

Xoc, Thy prayer is vain. The gods are ever on 
the conquering side. They have forsaken theCo 
(trumpet sounds) Ha ! pursued ! deeper into the 
wood then — I'll breathe these hunters yet ! (hurries 
out Amaziili.) 



SCENE m —Another pari of the forest. 

Enter Sancho, ivU'i his musket. 

San. O dear! O dear! what will become of me 
—I got into the forest easily enough, but I am afraid 
I shall never get out of it. For a peaceable well 
inclined man, i certainly do fall into the most con- 
founded scrapes imaginable ; but what am I to do? 
If I go back to the army 1 shall be shot as a de- 
serter — and if I am calight by the Indians I shall 
be hung for a spy, or served up as a side dish to^ 
some cursed cannibal of a Cazique, who will eat me 
with tomato sauce — make a cup of my scull — and 
stick my bones, by way of ornament, over his man- 
tle-piece — ugh! what's that? (presenting his mus- 
ket.) Only a dead branch ! I — I took it for a rattle- 
«nake. I'm glad I've got a gun, though I'm halC 



40 CORTEZ ', OR THE [Plauche. 

afraid to fire it. It's something like company, and 
— eh ! somebody's coming — where shall I go — gad, 
I'll get up a tree — it's better than dangling from one, 
at any rate, (climbs up a tree and pulls up Ms gun 
after him.) 

Enter Amazitli, hastily. 

San, {aside,) k woman, by Saint Jago! and in a 
devil of a pucker ! 

Ama. He follows me ! I hear the trampling of 
his feet — nearer — nearer — my strength fails me; I 
can fly no further — (leans half sinking against a 
tree.) 

San, (aside.) Here's an opportunity for a man to 
show his gallantry ! Oh, if I had but a little cou- 
rage ! I've a great mind, {puts down one legy shots 
are fired urithin,) I've changed it ! (draws his leg up 
again,) 

Ama. The engines of the Spaniards ! the allies of 
Tlascala ! then there is yet hope ! 

Staggers forward — enter Xocotzin. 

Xoc, (seizing her,) Overtaken, fair fugitive ! you 
'scape so not again ! 

Ama, Mercy ! mercy 1 

San. (aside,) Why, that's the very villain that 
wanted to knock my brains out ! 

Xoc, You scorn'd my prayer, and can you hope 
that I shall now listen to your's? No, Amazitli, 
fortune is kinder than art to Xocotzin, and he will 
not idly fling her favours from him ! (alarm without) 

'Enter Teluxo. 
TeL (seeing Xoc.) Tlascalans! down with themi 
Xocotzin throws himself before Amazitli. 

Ama, [to Tel.) Kill me, Mexican, but save me 
from this monster ! 

Xoc, Mexican, the Spaniards follow close upon 
your footsteps, and even my defeat will but accele- 



Act IIl.j CONQUEST OF MEXICO. 41 

rate your own destruction — I am the foe of Spain 
as well as thou ! tarry not then to heed a woman's 
raving, and waste in useless combat moments so 
precious ! Fly — fly while flij^ht be possible ! 

TeL Death must o'ertake me one day, should I 
now ingloriously escape it by closing mine ears to 
the cry of a helpless and insulted female ! Tlasca- 
lan, thou wert born the foe of Mexico, but thy per- 
secution of woman hath made thee the foe of all 
mankind ! let go thy hold! 

Xoo. But in the pangs of death ! 

Teluxo and Xocotzin fight. 

San, (aside,) I must have a pop at him. 

Xocotzin disarms Teluxo — Sancho fires and wounds Xocot- 
zin, who falls — Teluxo and Amazitli stand astonished. 

San, (aside.) Hit him, by all that's wonderful ! 

Enter Sandoval, Ac acix, Spaniards and Tlascalans, they 
seize Teluxo — Acacix runs to Amazitli. 

Jlca, Amazitli! 

Ama, {pointing to TeL) Harm him not, for me he 
fought. 

Jlca. But he hath slain Xocotzin, who, base as he 
was — was still my brother 1 

TeL I would have slain him, had the gods so 
willed it — but he fell not by ray hand. 

San, [in the tree.) Spare my life, gentlemen 1 and 
I'll confess all — I owed him an old grudge, and cer- 
tainly did pepper him, but it was by the merest ac- 
cident — I'll bet any body what they please I miss 
'em if I try again. 

Sand. Sancho i come down, sirrah, instantly! 

San. Be merciful ! I surrender at discretion, 
{coming down.) 

Aca. {who has knelt beside his brother.) He moves : 
he lives '• 

San. O Lord, then he'll kill me ' 



4i> CORTEZ; ORTHE [PlancL- 

«,3/iie/. Raise him and bear him quickly to somr 
aid ! 

Tlascalans lift Xocoisin. 

Sand, Forward to join our leader. 

lExeunt Tlascalans j bearing Xocotzin, followed by Acam , 
Amazitliand Spaniards fivith Tduxo prisoner. 

Sa7id. Sancho I follow 

San. But — but shan't I be shot, captain ? 

Sand. No — upon one condition. 

San, What's that ? 

Sand, That you are braver in future, [exit San- 
doval, 

San I am a dead man then — the condition is an 
impossibility. Experience convinces me that I hav'nt 
a particle of heroism in my composition ! 1 might 
have been married in Cuba to the daughter of a 
rich planter if i'd had but courage enough to put 
the question — but, no — I never could hammer out 
any thing in the shape of an amatory interrogatory ; 
and my bellows always wanted wind when I wished 
to forge a red hot lo\'^e lie. Yet money is a mighty 
stimulus on most occasions — and, as our old apo- 
thecary used to say, only gild the bolus of matri- 
mony, and it'll slip down like an olla podrida — aye, 
though the bride be as ugly as the widow of Estra- 
madura. 

Song — Sancho. 

Recitative. 

There was an old widow lived some time ago in 

Estramadura, 
She fell very ill at the death of her first husband, 

and thought nothing but a second could cure her! 
But her phiz was so funny that though she'd plenty 

of money, she stagger'd all who came to her ; 
Till a young cavalier, who at elbows \ras queer. 

made his mind up to woo her. 



n 



Atrlll/j CONQUEST OF MKXK'o 



Air. 

So he ogled and sighed, 

Till he made her his bride, 
Though the neighbom's declared he must hate her.. 

For she squinted and limp'd, 

And her face brown and crimp'd, 
Look'd much like an old nutmeg grater. 

But thought he, wise enough, 

I'm in w^ant of the stuff, 
And a beggar must not be a chooser ; 

'Tis true that a glutton, 

Might prefer lamb to mutton, 
But there is too much mint sauce to refuse her 

Recitative, 

But to silence the jokes and the jeers of the folk* 

he at full length her picture had painted ! 
Though at the first sight, of so horrid a sight, the 

poor artist had nearly fiiinted. 
Then sparing no cash, to the gilders slap-dash, it 

was sent, and a fine frame put to it. 
And the next time 'twas said, * what the deuce made 

you wed ?' he took them up stairs to view it. 

£ir. 

The neighbours agree 

'^ it's as like as can be, 
" As old and as ugly as sio, sir !" 

But they quickly exclaim, 

" What a beautiful frame !" 
*^ It atones for the picture within, sir!'* 

" Good friends, you are right," 

Said the cunning young wight, 
•' It was thus that I judged by the dame, sirs, 

" Though ugly and old, 

" She was rolling in gold, 
" So I married my wife for the frame^ sirs !" 

{exit Sanrho. 




00 



44 CORTEZ: OK THE [Pianche 

SCENE IV.— Garden at Iztapalapan, on the borders of tn 
Mexican Lake— The last halt of the. Spamards on thel 
march to Mexico. 

Enter CoRTEZ, Marina, Acacix, ani Amazitlt. 

Cor. Enough, enough, the brother of Marina hath 
(^ nought to dread from Cortez. What tidings from 
in the emperor ? 

^ Aca, Even now, he prepares to m^et you with 
00 the flower of the Mexican nobility, on the principal 
55 causeway leading to the city. 

Cor. He shall not wait us long— bring forth the 
5 prisoners. 

Enter Velasquez de Leon, and Diego de Ordaz in 
® chains^ and guarded. 

Cor. Velasquez de Leon and Diego de Ordaz 
you have abused the confidence placed in you by 
your friend and leader ; you would have induced the 
brave soldiers under your command to abandon 
their^ standards— renounce the fortune and fame 
■which promised to reward their constancy and cou- 
rage, and plant their weapons in the breast of their 
general— the representative of their king! An ig- 
nommioiis death would have been a poor atonement 
for thv failure of such an enterprize, nor could your 
bloods have v/ashed away the foul blot which must 
have stained for ever the chivalry of Castile. The 
moment has arrived for sentence to be passed upon 
you— Thus I pronounce it, [to guards) rqmove their 
chains ! the hte of Cortez was only valuable while 
upon his preservation depended that of 500 Spa- 
mards. Their perils are past, their triumph ap- 
proaches. Be it your punishment to share that glo- 
ry which you have not earned, and of which >our 
iolly so nearly deprived your countrymen. 

Diego and Veins. Noble Cortez ! 

Cor. No words— this is not mercy—To gallant 
men, and such, by heaven, I think you— death were 
a lighter doom. 



iii^i iiii-'imrf iir- 




Act III.] CONQUEST OF MEXICO. 45 

j^^r^ See— see— my brother comes. 
Enter Sandoval and Spaniards, with Teluxo prisoner. 
Cor. Teluxo, you are free. I come to break 
bonds, not impose them. Return to Mexico, and 
tell vour sovereign that the arms of the Spaniards, 
like the lightnings of heaven, hurt only where they 
meet resistance; and that their hearts are always 
more ready to obey the dictates of humanity than 
the incitements of revenge. . , ^ ^ .^ 

Tel Revenge is for the injured ; what wrong has 
Cortez to revenge? I fought for my country, and 
would again-had la country left me to defend. 
The gods have otherwise decreed it— sister, fare- 
well ! . . 
Mar. But we shall meet again ^ 
Tel. If, as our priests declare, there be a world 
beyond the grave, I trust we shall-but upon earth, 
no more ! Teluxo will not remain to witness woes 
he has no power to redress! Spaniard, you have 
given me life and liberty, but you have robbed me 
Sf what I valued dearer-glory, and the heart of my 
sister ! 'Tis wcll-I owe thee nothing 1 [exit Teluxo. 

Mar. Brother ! ^ , , i^ ^u^^ 

Cor. Sweet Marina ! let Cortez' love console thee, 
a brighter day shall dawn for thee to-morrow, and 
our Snion be the happy type and seal of that be- 
tween the worlds which gave us birth. ^ _ 

[mustc KntnouU 

Aca. The emperor advances. ^ ^ . ^ <?«„ 

Cor. Haste we to meet him ! [exeunt Cortez, i^an- 
doval, Acacix. and Spaniards. 

Ama. {to Marina.) Nay, cheer thee-cheer thee. 

gentle lady. 

Duef.— Marina and Amazitli. 

Must there for ever in life's chalice be 
Some bitter drop to dash the draught which pleasure 
brings, . . , 

Must it be with our blisses as the tree 
Which ever loses one branch as another springs. 



46 CORTEZ ; OR THE [Planche. 

Then let us hold the dearer, 
The flowers we find so few, 

And think our sunshine clearer 
For the cloud it struggles through! 

[exeunt Marina and Amazitli. 

SCENE V. — The principal causeway , and city of MetKico. 

Grand inarch. Enter, as from the city, Mexican giris^ 
strewing flowers. Priests of Mexico burning incense. 
JS^obles of Mexico in rich dresses, iivo and two. Wav' 
riors bearing standards, ensigns, <^c. ; amongst which are 
distinguished the arms of Montezuma — a griffin, with a 
tiger in its talons ; and the standard of Mexico, a net of 
gold upon the point of a spear, surmounted by a rich 
plume of variegated feathers, three lords bearing golden 
wands. The emperor Montezuma, leaning on two tribu' 
tary kings, and walking under a canopy of green fea- 
thers ornamented with gold, and supported by four no- 
bles. The procession is closed by warriors, inhabitants 
of Mexico, «^c. From the opposite enter Spaniards and 
Tlascalans, with banners and ensigns', Acacix, Ama- 
ziTLi, and, lastly, Marina, CorteZ; and the whole of 
his officers on horseback. 

Man. Brave general, and you his companions, I 
call all Mexico to witness the pleasure I receive 
from your safe arrival at this court ; and if, hitherto, 
there has been any appearance of a wish to oppose 
it, be assured that it has only proceeded from the 
mistaken zeal of my vassals and subjects. Aban- 
doning, therefore, all false conceptions occasioned to 
either of us, by unjust representations, I accept the 
embassy of the king who sends you, and lay my 
empire at his feet. Since, from the signs we have 
observed in the heavens, and what we have seen of 
you, the period seems to have arrived when the 
predictions of our ancestors are to be fulfilled — 
namely, that there should come from the earth, men 
different in person and in habit from ourselves, to 
rule over this country. 

Co7\ Accept, great sir, the thanks of ray sove- 
reign, for the favourable reception you have been 



Act lll.j CONQUEST OF MEXICO. 47 

pleased to grant his ambassador. He desires to be 
your friend and confederate, not by virtue of those 
ancient rights to which you have alluded, nor for 
any other reason than to open a communication bc' 
tween the two monarchies, and join in lasting amity 
their respective rulers. Soldiers! Castilians ! friends! 
1^ let one joy reign in all bosoms, and celebrate this 
glorious and happy union of the OJd and New 
Worlds. 

Finale. 
AcAcix, Amazitli, Marina, Mexicans, and Tlascalans, 

From where the sun rises across the wide main, 
g Fate sends us a hero of matchless renown, 
W The track of whose glory will brilliant remain 
Till the orb he has follow'd for ever goes down ! 

Sandoval, Alvarado, Christoval, Francisco, Anto- 
nio, and Spaniards. 

From where the sun rises across the wide main, 
We've followed a hero of matchless renown ; 
We share in his glory, we share in his gain ; 
A^ And will follow him, still boys, to where it goes 
down ! 



THE END. 



*?HSI87 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




014 528 352 8 



